Accounting
Faculty
Chair: Antonia (Toni) Berbrick CPA, CFE, CIA, MBA
Associate Professor: Toni Berbrick
Associate Professor: Dr. Sandra Holley, PhD, CFE
Assistant Professor: Ian Ross, CPA
Overview
Department Mission:
Our mission is to build on a liberal arts and business education foundation to provide students with accounting knowledge and skills. Exemplifying Benedictine hospitality, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that fosters an appreciation of their ethical, social, and public responsibility. This will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to
succeed professionally, and to become responsible citizens.
Departmental Goals:
The general goals of the Department of Accounting are to offer students a solid foundation in accounting fundamentals and to contribute to the development of the student’s ability to think critically, exercise judgment, make decisions, and communicate effectively in a complex and rapidly changing business environment. That is, students should be able to understand and analyze complex accounting information and create financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The department has the following specific goals for students majoring in accounting: 1) To understand fundamental accounting principles and theory; 2) To understand the importance of effective communication skills and to be able to analyze, organize, and communicate information effectively; 3) To engage in practical professional experiences and career exploration. With an accounting degree, graduates can pursue careers as professional accountants and auditors in public, private, and non-profit organizations, as well as specialty areas within the accounting profession such as cost accountants, fraud examiners, forensic investigators, cyber and information systems auditor, and data analytics. The degree can also serve as a basis for graduate study in specific areas—such as accounting, data analytics, data science, cyber security, risk assurance, and taxation.
The North Carolina Board of Accountancy requires CPA candidates to complete 150 credit hours before they are eligible to take the CPA exam. Students will earn 120 credit hours upon completion of their undergraduate degree from Belmont Abbey College. The requirements to take the CPA exam may be different in other states. Students that plan on pursuing a career in public accounting in another state should consult with the State Board of Accountancy in the state in which they wish to practice.
Students that are considering a career in public accounting are strongly encouraged to take the additional 30 credits while they are pursuing their undergraduate degree. Summer courses are offered that provide students with the opportunity to earn an additional 15 credits (3 courses) each summer. It is recommended that students take advantage of the summer course offerings between their freshman, sophomore or junior year, leaving the summer leading up to their senior year open to take advantage of an internship opportunity. Students also have the option of participating in an internship and taking courses during any summer.